Question
1)Is this the best value to getting starwood points. I already am Gold status
2) I have Amex member points...is it worth transferring over to Starwood or are there certain periods when you get a bonus transfer rate?
Answer
Short answer: the SPG Credit Card is the best way to earn Starpoints.
Longer answer: If you are a US resident there are three card programs which generate Starpoints...
SPG Credit Card by American Express, charge $1 to earn 1 Starpoint (1:1)
Diners Club Mastercard, charge $1250 to earn 750 Starpoints (1.7 : 1)
American Express Membership Rewards, charge $3 to earn 1 Starpoint (3:1)
American Express does sometimes have offers/categories which generate more than one Membership Rewards point per dollar, but it would be rare to earn 3 MR points per dollar which is what would be required just to match the SPG card. Membership Rewards also sometimes offers transfer bonuses which improve the ratio from 3:1 to 2:1, but in 2006 this offer was restricted to targetted accountholders.
dennis